The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 as Nigeria takes on Sudan in a crucial Group D match.
Scheduled to kick off on August 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. GMT at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, the game promises to be a closely contested affair with both teams plotting for maximum points
Nigeria’s Quest for Redemption
Nigeria, currently fourth in Group D with zero points, needs a win to revive their chances of advancing to the next stage after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their opening match. Coach Eric Chelle admitted “pressure” alongside captain Nduka in the pre-match press conference, emphasizing the importance of winning the game.
“We are under a lot of pressure, and it is normal because we are a great football country, and we need to do better than we did in the last game,” Chelle said. “Watching highlights of the first game, the players noticed that they deserved at least a draw, but because of the mistake, we lost the game. One game can be so pivotal in a competition like this. My players improve every day; we expect to do much better.”
Game Management
Chelle emphasized the need for his team to improve their intensity and aggressivity to win. “We need to improve our intensity and aggressivity to win. The players know that we have to do better,” he said.
Junior Nduka sees the Sudanese game as a match of retribution and only wants to make amends alongside his teammates. “We just want to get done with the next game, not talk about the tournament as a whole. It’s an amazing feeling to be captain of the team, leading the nation in a big competition like this. It’s a privilege to be amongst the continent’s best legs,” Nduka said, before reiterating that he and his teammates must be on top of their game to stand a chance against Sudan. “Sudan has a very good team and some top players.”
Sudan’s Perspective
Sudan sits third in Group D with one point after holding Congo to a 1-1 draw and will look to cause an upset against the CHAN Eagles. Coach Kwesi Appiah expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, emphasizing their tactical flexibility and adaptability.
“Training sessions have been okay, and fortunately, we don’t have any injuries at the moment,” Appiah said. “The team is focused on capitalizing on our strengths.”
Appiah’s Warning
Appiah cautioned against judging Nigeria based on their single game against Senegal, warning that they are a formidable opponent with a strong squad depth. “I don’t believe in assessing a team based on just one game,” he said. “Every Nigerian player is a threat, and we need to be prepared to face a strong opponent with a potent attacking force.”
Appiah also reflected on Sudan’s last game against Congo, saying, “The last game against Congo didn’t completely go our way, but we have a chance to make amends and turn the tables.” He added, “Our ambition is to do well, but we take each game as it comes and moving forward, we will give our best performance.”
Sudan’s forward, Farres Abdullah, voiced his teammates’ preparations for the game against Nigeria. “We are ready for tomorrow’s game,” he said. “Nigeria is one of the strongest teams in the competition, but we are prepared physically and hope to reach the latter stages of this competition.”
Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria vs Sudan in their only encounter prior to this was back in the 2018 TotalEnergies CHAN semifinal that ended with Nigeria winning 1-0. Gabriel Okechukwu scored the only goal of the game in the 16th minute. Junior Nduka and co hope to gather inspiration from that encounter.
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